FSU Faces

He might have desk space in the Education Building, but his true office can be found at the peak of Cooper’s Rock, the trails of the Appalachian Mountains and the depths of the Grand Canyon. For Education faculty member and Fairmont native Matt Schmuck, his passion for outdoor adventure has become his career – and students are reaping the benefits.

As the sound of airplane engines roar in the background, Mark Heefner steps out of a single engine plane, fresh from a trip to see his girlfriend, Mariah Roth’11, in Charlotte, N.C. The 2011 Fairmont State University graduate and pilot returns the plane and heads to his desk a hundred yards away at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport. This wasn’t Heefner’s first solo trip, but he has experienced many firsts at the airport and is anxious to create more.

From his first semester, Jaron Hollida knew the key to his success would be getting involved on campus.

“I didn’t know anyone when I came here. I was three hours from home,” says the Martinsburg native. “I joined clubs and instantly made the right group of friends. Involve yourself in clubs. Getting involved adds to what you learn and helps you build more independence. Getting involved keeps you busy and out of trouble. A lot of opportunities, like internships, come with being involved.”

Chelse Hensley isn’t afraid to go after her dream. Self-confidence and ambition are already paying off for the 20-year-old Political Science major, who had the opportunity to live and work in New York City for the first time in the fall of 2011.

As you crest the top step in the Falcon Center and look into the third floor Dining Hall, the first person you are likely to see is 24-year Dining Services veteran Carolyn Straight. With her blond hair and bright smile, she serves students during breakfast, lunch, and dinner and knows most everyone by name.

Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College recently honored the dedication of former employees and the impact of community members on the lives of students during this year’s Student Affairs Hall of Fame Awards Banquet.